Buy the French B Driving License Online
You must be aware of certain things before driving on French roads if you are an international resident moving to France. You will need to exchange your driving license first.
ANTS is the body that manages all permits and licenses for foreign licenses in France. The process is not inexpensive, but they can assist.
Legality
The French driving license is a legal document that is issued by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion. The license covers all aspects of driving from traffic laws to speeding and parking. The license is valid for three years and permits you to drive a vehicle that weighs up to 3,500 kilograms in weight. The license also comes with demerit points which are used to punish poor drivers and reward good ones.
You must take a driving course and pass the theory exam before you can obtain your driver's license. The theory test is performed on a computer, and you must answer correctly all questions to pass. If you fail the exam, you must wait two days before taking it again. You are able to take the test at any time you like, but you need to have third-party insurance before you drive.
If you hold an French driving license and are a French citizen, you must wear a seatbelt at all time. Seatbelts are mandatory in the back of cars with children under 12 years of age. Additionally, you should always carry your documents with you and adhere to the rules of roadside assistance. Also, carry a first-aid kit.
Anyone who is moving to France from the United States can use their American license for up to a year. However, they must exchange it within the calendar year to an French license. This only applies in the event that the license was suspended or cancelled in the country of origin.
The issuing of the French license requires evidence of identity, the name of the applicant as well as their birth date and their nationality. It must be in French or with an official translation. The applicant should also submit a medical certificate or a document that acknowledges their impairment. The document must be signed and date by a doctor prior to the start of their French residency. They also need a medical certification from the Prefecture which states that they are able to take the ETG without restrictions.
Regulations
To drive legally in France you must pass the theoretical part of the driving test and then pass the practical test with an instructor who is a professional. This portion of the test involves a minimum of 20 hours of driving with an instructor. When you are confident in your driving abilities you are able to take the test to obtain your license. After passing the test, you will have three years of probationary license.
French driving licenses are plastic cards that resemble to credit cards. They include the holder's photograph, name, birth date, address, signature, and driving license number. The cards also show the kind of vehicle a driver can operate. The new cards come with security features to stop counterfeiting. The most important personal information are laser-engraved underneath the photo and the card has an outer edge that is transparent.
The permit B allows drivers to drive a vehicle that has the maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes and a maximum number of nine seats. The EU approved a recent change to the maximum weight that vehicles that permit B holders can drive. The maximum weight for specific categories of vehicles, like motorhomes and campervans will be raised to 4.25 tonnes.
To obtain a B-category license, you must be 18 years of age or older and have at minimum one year of driving experience. If you're not yet 18 years old, a parent guardian must accompany you when you drive. For those who are between 15 and 17-and a-half the GDL (graduated driving license) is available. This is only valid in France and requires a driver to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
You can purchase an French driving license online through the France Titres site. Once you have an account, click on Nouvelle demande (new application) in the upper right corner, and then click Le permis de conduire. Enter your personal details and choose the reason for getting a driving license, such as Une visite medicale est-elle necessaire? (Is a medical examination necessary) The French driving permit is valid for 15 years unlike other countries. However, it must be renewed periodically.
Requirements
As a newcomer in France You may be excited to begin driving, particularly if your new residence is located near the roads lined with vineyards in Champagne country. But, it's crucial to be aware of the French driving laws and regulations before you hit the road. This includes the requirements for a license and insurance requirements. In addition, you'll require a copy of your passport as well as two passport-sized photos.
The French driver's permit (permis de conduire or permis B) is a pink plastic card that appears like a credit card. It holds your personal information including your age and the date of your license's issuance and expiration date, as well as your medical history. It also serves as a valid ID card everywhere in the country. The French license is valid for 15 years, depending on your age and the type of vehicle.
You can apply online for a French driving license, or visit a local office. The process is fairly straightforward and can be completed in under 30 minutes. You'll need an ID card or passport, as well as a sworn statement, typically from one of your parents. If you are under 18 or hold a driving license from another EU member state, you must also present a certificate of good conduct from the country which issued your license.
You must pass both the theory and practical exams to obtain a driving license. The theory test, called the Code by some, can be passed on your own without the need of a school. If you don't pass the test then you can take it again after a period of time, or sign up for training courses at driving schools.
Licences issued by the EU and EEA are valid in France as long as they aren't expired or suspended. In case of temporary Suspension du permis de conduire et permis retiré, you can request an extension. If you plan to drive in a different category than the initial B category, you'll need to exchange your license. If you're a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country then you will only be able to drive using your own license for one year following the establishing of residency in France. You must also have third-party liability car insurance.
Fees
The French driver's license, also referred to as the permis B is a pink plastic card that has the size of credit card. It lists your personal details as well as the type of vehicle you can drive, and the date of issue and expiry. The card also functions as an official ID that allows you to enter most public buildings and some private companies.
The first time you order a permit is completely free. However, you will have to pay EUR25 to renew your permit. You can pay via bank transfer or through the internet. There could be additional regional fees, depending on your location.
To apply for a license, sign into your France Titres account and click Nouvelle demande (new application) in the upper right corner. Select Le permis de conduire, then Je demande la fabrication d'un titre de permis de conduire (I order the production of my driving licence). You'll need the following information:
Choose a reason to back your request. The examiner will not tell you how well you performed during the test. However, you can check the results within two to four days after the exam. The driving school will arrange your practical test and pay the EUR30 fee on your behalf.
If you're an American citizen relocating to France, you'll need to exchange your US driving license for one in French one. The process usually takes approximately a year. You must pass both the written and practical French tests.
Fortunately, you can steer clear of some of the hassle and costs by obtaining an international driver's license while you're in the country. You can get an international driving permit by visiting the France Titres ANTS website and selecting "I need an International Driver's License".
You must have an French B-category driving license or higher to apply for your international driving permit. You'll also need to pass a theory and practice exam. Driving lessons can be expensive in France with rates that range between EUR40 and EUR60 per hour. Some schools do offer packages that cover a certain number of hours.